11 Best Foundation Companies in Athens, AL

On average, Athens homeowners spend roughly $2,685 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair will vary greatly depending on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the size of your home, and the extent of the damage will all play a part. The best way to learn how much a job might cost is to speak with a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The main types of foundation repair are crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are exactly as they sound: your foundation repair expert will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. The price will vary based on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are required. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs that help stop water from getting into your foundation. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

To protect your foundation, you should make sure it gets the proper level of moisture, especially in hot weather. Athens sees more rain than many places, so be sure that your gutters and landscaping are arranged to prevent too much water from collecting near your foundation. Also be sure to quickly identify and repair any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can call a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will cost a few hundred dollars, but the engineer's consultation can provide you with a list of things to look out for as well as steps you can take to further protect your foundation. Finally, if you're building a new house, ensure that you have a soil report done. This report provides information about how well the soil on your property can support a foundation and highlights any potential future issues.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but getting one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together all the permits and other documents required in Athens, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process if asked.

If your foundation needs waterproofing, you'll start to notice signs like uneven floors, hairline cracks, basement flooding, white powder or spots on your walls, discoloration or odors, or signs of fungus, mold, or mildew.

We advise against putting off foundation repairs. A single issue may have an underlying cause that could potentially result in future problems, and it's best to treat the root of the issue as fast as possible. A small and moderately costly problem now could turn into a large and expensive one in the future if left untreated.